Whether you want to spend a vacation at the beach or savor the tasty provençal cuisine, Nice is the perfect destination to capture l’art de vivre à la française. The azure and golden light of Nice inspired artists such as Matisse and Chagall, so why not let it do the same for you?
Enjoy the scenery as the Tolila sisters, Lauren and Annael, of Via Tolila (@viatolila) take you on a photographic tour of this beautiful coastal city.
La Promenade des Anglais
La Promenade des Anglais, the iconic promenade lounging by the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most Instagrammable places in the city.
Soak up the sun, bathe in the salty water, warm up, or cool down — the choice is yours.
From the Hotel Negresco to Beau Rivage beach with its blue and white striped umbrellas to Rauba Capeu (the location that marks the end of the Promenade), get your camera ready to capture the French Riviera lifestyle at its finest.
Le Cours Saleya
If you are an #instafood addict, don’t miss out on the Cours Saleya, a typical Mediterranean market. The south of France is famous for its gastronomic delights, and the Cours Saleya is the perfect place to grab a delicious pan bagnat (salad in a round bread sandwich). Aside from a healthy Niçoise salad, try specialties like la Socca, a flatbread made of chickpea flour, or la Pissaladière, an open tart made with onions, anchovies, and black olives. The Cours Saleya is a beautiful market where you can shop for and photograph local products like olive oil, flowers, soaps, antique furnitures, fruits, and vegetables.
Le Vieux Nice
From the colorful flower market at the Cours Saleya to the Place Rossetti, Nice’s Old Town buzzes with cute cafés and souvenir shops. The best way to experience the old, narrow streets is to get lost in them. Walk around the cobbled alleys, and don’t forget to look up — the old city displays a wide range of unique yellow, red, and ocher facades. The architecture, trompe l’oeil, vaults, and contours of the buildings make for plenty of architecturally interesting shots.
Le Port de Nice
The place where yachts and local fishermen’s boats meet: the port of Nice. This locale is constantly changing with the daily arrival of travelers from around the world. The pier is one of the best places to spend a few hours people-watching with a drink in hand. Not far from the port, you’ll find La Place du Pin and La Rue Bonaparte, a small neighborhood ideal for snapping photos of local life.
Le Plongeoir
Not far from the port, Le Plongeoir restaurant is mostly famous for its incredible views and perfect location. If you want a typical #lunchwithaview photo, Le Plongeoir is the ideal setting, as it hovers just above the sea on a pillar of rock. This unusual setting served as an iconic spot during La Belle Époque, when guests could eat lavish meals while dining above the waves.
Le Chateau
Le Chateau de Nice, which rests on top of the hill, dominates the Bay of Angels. A little haven of peace where you can wander the vast park and observe rich vegetation, le Chateau is a romantic spot with a magnificent panoramic view of the sky and sea, making it a must-visit.
Matisse Museum
The Matisse Museum is situated on the hill of Cimiez and features the largest collection of Henri Matisse’s artwork. From his early works to his iconic pieces (like Nu Bleu) to his final paintings, a single visit covers the entirety of his artistic life and his love affair with Nice.
Make sure you save time to head outside this photogenic red villa, as a walk on the grounds will reveal sights such as a 2,000-year-old olive grove and the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. The soft light streaming between the branches of the olive trees perfectly captures the tranquil, sun-soaked atmosphere of Nice.
